BEATING BEDTIME BATTLES - Part 1

Children gain enormous benefit from having a calm bedtime routine. The first step in solving a sleep problem is to establish a calm bedtime routine. 

Top tips for a calm bedtime routine

• Start 1 hour before you plan to put your child to bed.
• Mark the start of your bedtime routine with a calm and relaxing bath.Mark the start of your bedtime routine with a calm and relaxing bath. The warm water will increase body temperature and help to induce sleep.
• Get your child into their pyjamas.
• Give them their last drink of the evening.Give them their last drink of the evening. Milk is preferable, as it will aid sleep.
• Cuddle up together for story time.Cuddle up together for story time. Let your child choose the books. Between 15 or 20 minutes is a good length of time to plan for stories, depending on the age of your child and how long they like to sit for.
• Clean teeth
• Say, Say, “It’s time for bed”
• Tuck your child into bed.Tuck your child into bed. You might like to spend a few minutes special time, talking to your child. Give them a goodnight cuddle and kiss.
• Turn the light out.Turn the light out. Darkness triggers the brain to start producing chemicals that tell the body clock that it’s time for sleep. However, if your child is afraid of the dark, use a night-light.
• Leave a beaker of water on their bedside table to sip if they get thirsty during the night
• From this point on, do not engage in a conversation or get into a debate.

Absolutely no TV or exciting games after bath time. It is best not to have games consoles or TV’s in children’s bedrooms because they will stay up playing games or watching unsuitable TV when you think they are fast asleep.